In the midst of a war with Russia that has been ongoing for nearly four years, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a significant announcement. He openly stated that he is ready to resign from the presidency once the conflict with Russia concludes. Zelensky expressed his intent is to end the war, after which he does not wish to remain in office.
'Elections Will Be Held If Ceasefire Is Reached'
In an interview with the news website 'Axios,' Zelensky said he does not intend to lead his country in peacetime. He also mentioned that if a ceasefire with Russia is established, he will urge the Ukrainian parliament to conduct elections. When asked if he considers his job done once the war ends, Zelensky said he is prepared to step down.
Zelensky remarked, 'My goal is to end the war, not to continue the race for the position.' Elections have been postponed in Ukraine indefinitely due to the war, and this matter has been raised by critics ranging from President Donald Trump to many others. Zelensky highlighted that both the security situation and Ukraine’s constitution pose challenges to holding elections. Nonetheless, he believes that elections are possible.
Opened Up to Trump
Just before returning to Kyiv from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Zelensky gave this interview in New York. When asked whether he would commit to holding elections if a multi-month ceasefire is agreed upon, he responded affirmatively. Zelensky revealed that on Tuesday, when he met President Trump, he told him that if a ceasefire occurs, they could use this time period for signaling to the parliament.
Zelensky understands that people desire a leader with a new mandate who can make crucial decisions to establish lasting peace. He acknowledged that due to security concerns, organizing elections at present would be challenging, but he believes it feasible.
Term Officially Ended in May 2024
President Zelensky was elected with a large majority in 2019. Had the war with Russia not commenced, his five-year term would have officially ended in May 2024. During the initial months of the war, his popularity surged to nearly 90%. In February, Trump claimed it had fallen to 4%, but recent surveys suggest it remains well over 60%.
In July, when his parliamentary allies took steps to undermine Ukraine’s independent anti-corruption agencies, Zelensky encountered domestic opposition. Although this move was swiftly reversed, it raised concerns about Ukraine’s democratic progress under Zelensky's leadership.
Ban on Elections Amidst War
If Zelensky supports a bill enabling elections, it could pass swiftly in parliament, given his party’s significant majority. However, Ukraine’s constitution explicitly bans elections under martial law. Even if this hurdle is overcome, logistical arrangements would be challenging due to the security situation.
About 20% of Ukraine remains under Russian occupation, and millions of Ukrainians are displaced. If Moscow attempts to obstruct this process, the entire country could become vulnerable to Russian attacks. Zelensky stated, 'I believe that during a ceasefire, the security environment could facilitate the possibility of elections.'
